What to wear for Christmas

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

I live in San Francisco, but I was born and raised in Chicago, and that's where I go every year for Christmas. Chicago is a lovely city, and I'd recommend visiting in the spring or fall; winter is an entirely different beast, although there's something so traditional and comforting about an actual winter. It doesn't look like we'll have a white Christmas this year—thanks, global warming!—but it will be cold. So Christmas in Chicago is an excuse for me to break out all of the wintry things I rarely get to wear in San Francisco. Here's what I'm planning on wearing.

It's been so chilly in San Francisco that I've been wearing this plaid coat nonstop (you recently saw it here with a black dress). I'm hoping I can get away with wearing it in Chicago, because I'm completely obsessed with it at the moment. I love that it picks up my favorite neutrals—camel, black, and gray—and just makes everything look so polished. Then again, maybe a more waterproof outer layer is a better idea. Either way, I'll be obsessively checking the weather until it's time to pack.

This is my favorite cashmere sweater. It's from Everlane, and it's several years old; you last saw it here. I recently bought their $100 crewneck (I'll be featuring it in an upcoming post) and this one is much softer. I'm wearing a medium—as with many of Everlane's sweaters, I like to size up for a slouchier fit. The color and the style are just so classic; I love this sweater so much, I kind of wish I could wear it all year, but being able to break it out around the holidays makes it that much more special.

I've also had this leather skirt for ages—this one is from Zara, but I've linked something similar below. It's a basic A-line shape with zippered pockets that are strategically angled to have a slimming effect on your hips. This one has kind of stretched out over time, as leather tends to do, but it's otherwise perfect, and I'll probably have it for another 10 years at least.

Accessory-wise, you've seen these before but they're just so good together. I love a little leopard print, especially against the plaid of my coat—it's a subtle way to mix prints, and still fits into my three guidelines for print mixing. You last saw the clutch in this post, and it's sadly sold out now, but I've linked a similar option below. And as for the shoes, yes, these are real Valentino. Yes, they were an investment. Yes, they are worth it. The gold on the shoes is so shiny (the knockoffs look much more dull), and they just make me so happy. I tend to save these for a special occasion (and last wore them with a LBD), but should probably wear them more. And for reference, I'm in a size 39—as with most European shoes, I go up half a size.

We shot these photos along Broadway in San Francisco, between the Lyon Street and Baker Street steps. Broadway is known as "Billionaire's Row", and as we were shooting, there was a crew setting up a structure (not a tent—I'm talking wooden posts and glass windows) in the middle of the block, presumably for a holiday party. Can you imagine being so rich that you can shut down an entire city block for your holiday party? Well, I can! ;)

Speaking of what to wear for Christmas, I've partnered with a bunch of my favorite bloggers to share our most festive outfits. Please stop by and say hi to all of these lovely ladies!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ALL OF US!!

SHELBEE Shelbee on the Edge"This Christmas I am feeling a bit of a “Bah, Humbug” so when Charlotte Russe offered all of their employees a sweater of their choosing for $10, this cute “Bah, HumPug” sweater seemed perfectly appropriate for my holiday mood lately. Ironically, however, the sweater has cheered me up immensely! I paired it with a mixed plaid scarf in Christmas colors (from Target last year) and my fuzzy camouflage coat (also from Charlotte Russe). Tan skinny jeans (Target) and dark green sock booties (Burlington Coat Factory) finish the outfit. But it wouldn't be Christmas without my red pom pom earrings (Rosegal) and my favorite knit hat made by my grandmother circa 1950’s. Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and blessed holiday season!"MAUREEN A Pocketful of Polka Dots"I don’t know about you, but my family get togethers are very casual. Even during the holidays, we like to keep things low key and most of our time is spent indoors. So, when it comes to dressing for the holidays, there’s only one thing that comes to mind - a good Christmas sweater or better known as an ugly sweater. Personally, I am a sucker for an ugly sweater and believe everyone should own at least one in their wardrobe."CHRISSY Granola and Grace "Christmas will be In Florida for is this year so the temps may be in the 50’s, but the temps may be high 70’s so there’s no preplanning on the outfit for me. However, I’m looking forward to making new memories with our little family!"

AMBER Avec Amber"Christmas is a time to gather together to celebrate the year’s highs, reflect on the lows, and appreciate each other as we look ahead to another new year. My family keeps it casual, so this cozy plaid wrap, sweater, and jeans combo is an ideal Christmas outfit choice."

CHERYL Cheryl Shops "Merry Christmas, Ada! While I live in San Francisco, I was born and raised in Chicago, which is where I spend Christmas with my family. I'm always excited about going home for the holidays, because I get to break out all of my wintry things: cashmere sweaters, leather skirts, and wool coats. This look encapsulates all of those elements, plus a fun pair of shoes for a little holiday sparkle. If it's snowing, however, I might have to change out the shoes for some Uggs! "

JENNIE A Pocketful of Polka Dots"This year for Christmas I thought I would step outside my norm and wear a fun holiday sweater! I usually like to dress up a bit, but liked the idea of doing a cute and casual look. My red Hunter boots add to this festive look."

.LAURA I Do deClaire”We celebrate Christmas by going to church on Christmas Eve as a family, all dressed up. My daughters get a Christmas dress each year. I like to wear something festive for the occasion that has some red in it so this skirt is perfect! On Christmas we enjoy opening stockings and presents as a family in the morning and then in the evening we celebrate our oldest daughter's birthday!

MONICA Jersey Girl, Texan Heart"Happy Holidays y'all! I hope you enjoy every minute of this holiday season with your families and friends. I can't wait for Christmas because I love giving gifts and seeing reactions, and of course the food that my mom makes!"ADA Elegance and Mommyhood"Nothing says Christmas to me more than Plaid. So this year, Vivian and I will be wearing matching plaid tunics (from Old Navy) for our Christmas celebration. We even dressed up our button-downs with pretty necklaces. But truly I cannot wait to see her face on Christmas morning as she opens presents - she is so excited! From our Christmas tree with love"Gëzuar Krishtlindjet!" That means "Merry Christmas" in Albanian - my native language."

CHRISTINE Bon and Chic Style“This Christmas’s Eve I’m going for a minimalist look with this chic black velvet slip dress layered with a simple white turtleneck underneath. We always go to Christmas Eve midnight mass and I like to wear a simple dress for the occasion. The sock booties complete this effortless chic outfit and will keep me warm too! Joyeux Noël."

DEBBIE Fashion Fairy Dust"Holidays at our house are super casual. Honestly, this look is dressier than what I'd be wearing; you'd be more likely to find me in this flannel shirt, but paired with boyfriend jeans and my Bearpaw boots. I did kick it up a notch for the Holiday Series though by swapping in my black pants and red suede pumps. The look is still casual and comfortable, but the pumps and pants makes it a little more special."

Those gorgeous shoes! I love this whole outfit Cheryl! Right up my alley with all of the warm brown tones and patterns. I would love a plaid blazer, so Ill be on the lookout, the plaid jacket with the softness of cashmere and then a cute leather skirt looks great! wow. I thought I would have a white Christmas in Pgh, but we didn't!jess xxwww.elegantlydressedandstylish.com